The arrival of political heavyweight Chip Rogers to a newly-minted, six-figure job at Georgia Public Broadcasting is casting a harsh glare on a staid state institution best known for wonky programming and pledge drives.

Gov. Nathan Deal played matchmaker between Rogers and GPB’s president, Teya Ryan – although he disavowed any direct involvement in the hire, which removed a lawmaker some viewed as a liability. Officials confirmed that Rogers’ $150,000 salary will be paid by the state.

The dollar figure has outraged at least one veteran GPB staffer and a vocal handful of donors. Even the chairman of GPB’s board told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Rogers is being overpaid.

It’s intrigue worthy of the public broadcasting’s hit period drama, Downton Abbey, and GPB is squirming under the sudden scrutiny.

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